The ninth edition of the Jules Bianchi Marathon took place this weekend. It was an opportunity for professional drivers, amateurs, and a few French celebrities to drive for a good cause for 42 hours, 19 minutes, and 50 seconds.
The Jules Bianchi karting marathon celebrated its nine years of existence this weekend. Previously held on the karting track in Brignoles, it is now hosted by the Paul Ricard circuit. It has also changed its purpose. The karting event is set up to benefit the Jules Bianchi association. The association helps improve the USCL service (Units of Care for Severely Brain-damaged Patients, editor’s note) at the Archet hospital in Nice. “We decided, when Jules unfortunately left us, to raise funds because he had a certain notoriety,” declares his father, Philippe Bianchi.
This event is also a way to honor the memory of Jules Bianchi, a French Formula 1 driver who tragically passed away following a racing accident. Whether you are a driver, guest, fan, or simply curious, everyone is welcome to celebrate Jules Bianchi in the most beautiful way possible.
A Human Adventure
This karting marathon lasts 42 hours, 19 minutes, and 50 seconds. This duration echoes the length of a footrace marathon. This year, no fewer than thirty-two karts and 400 drivers were present. Just like in a professional race, there are trials and qualifying. There are several categories of karts, with the 240 kg and the 270 kg. Weights can be added for fairness.
Professional drivers such as Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, also the association’s patron, are present. However, he drives for his own team, LC8, with his childhood friends. This sense of conviviality is precisely why Philippe Bianchi, with the help of his colleague Franck Lagorce, decided to reschedule this marathon: “It’s fantastic when we hear from the registered drivers that they experienced an extraordinary human adventure […] that everyone wants to come back.”
Each participant has their own reason for taking part. Théo Cosset shares: “Of course, I’m here for the fun, but I also challenge myself. Every time I cross the finish line, I check my time.” For Antoine Holtz, it’s also about sharing: “It’s the moment for me to share a moment with my father. I also worked here for five years, so it’s the chance to revisit this circuit I love so much with old colleagues.” There are also no fewer than sixty-five volunteers on site to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Driving for a Good Cause
Despite great battles on the track, the main objective is not competition but to raise funds. To participate, a fee of 9,582 euros per team is required. On site, the association has set up a shop offering various products for sale. For example, you can find a small replica of his helmet from Monaco 2014 (his first points entry in Formula 1, editor’s note). The Archet hospital in Nice will benefit from the money raised.
An impressive 50,000 euros were raised this year for the USCL service. This money serves to purchase equipment to improve patients’ daily lives, their comfort, and to aid caregivers. “The sum from this weekend will fund a trolley for bedridden patients to use for comfortable hygiene purposes,” explains Philippe Bianchi. The association has already financed several pieces of equipment, like a racing simulator to aid in rehabilitation following a trauma or equipment helping patients learn to walk again. This initiative is very important to Philippe Bianchi: “Through this, we keep Jules alive.”
Continuing to keep Jules Bianchi’s memory alive is also what motivated some people who knew him to participate. This is the case for commentator and sports journalist Gérard Holtz: “It’s an extraordinary mix of spending the weekend close to Jules Bianchi […] engaging in one of his disciplines in a festive atmosphere. As his dad said, there’s not too much sadness, we’re celebrating while thinking of him and all that he was.” This is also why the event remains free for the public.
Despite a busy schedule, it was unimaginable for Charles Leclerc not to be present: “It’s for Jules’ association, so it was clear that I had to be here […], it’s pure joy, and we’re having a great time.” The emotion is evidently present during the cheque presentation at the end of the event. For friends, family, or even admirers, one can only be moved seeing the commitment of a family using tragedy for good. The tenth edition will take place on the weekend of September 14, 2025. And as Philippe Bianchi said in his thank-you speech, “Thank you all, and long live Jules.”
